In 2018, the revenue of the U.S. knit fabric market rose 2.6% and reached $2B, due to accelerated growth of imports. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price).

Over the period under review, knit fabric consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 19% year-to-year. In that year, the knit fabric market reached its peak level of $2.3B. From 2015 to 2018, the growth of the knit fabric market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Knit Fabric Production in the U.S.

U.S. knit fabric production amounted to 144K tonnes in 2018, -2.4% against the previous year. Overall, knit fabric production continues to indicate an abrupt downturn. Over the period under review, knit fabric production attained its maximum volume at 206K tonnes in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2018, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, knit fabric production totaled $1.2B in 2018.

Exports from the U.S.

In 2018, approx. 9.3K tonnes of knit fabrics were exported from the U.S.; declining by -5.9% against the previous year. In general, knit fabric exports continue to indicate a dramatic slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports decreased by -5.9% year-to-year. Over the period under review, knit fabric exports reached their maximum at 42K tonnes in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2018, exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, knit fabric exports stood at $93M in 2018. In general, knit fabric exports continue to indicate a drastic decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports decreased by -5.6% y-o-y. Exports peaked at $276M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2018, exports failed to regain their momentum.

Imports into the U.S.

In 2018, approx. 108K tonnes of knit fabrics were imported into the U.S.; increasing by 9.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, knit fabric imports, however, continue to indicate a mild decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 14% year-to-year. Over the period under review, knit fabric imports attained their peak figure at 130K tonnes in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2018, imports failed to regain their momentum.

In value terms, knit fabric imports totaled $501M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. Overall, knit fabric imports, however, continue to indicate a temperate deduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 11% year-to-year. Imports peaked at $647M in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2018, imports failed to regain their momentum.